Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday the 17th of November at the home of late Noah Lyaalala Tuhadeleni who died in Rundu on 29 October 2024 after battling a long illness.

Tuhadeleni, who had joined the liberation struggle for Namibia’s independence in 1974, served as the first councilor of Endola Constituency in 1992, the position which he held until the year 2004.

At a public memorial service held at Omakango village by members of the community of Endola and surrounding villages, most speakers testified to the service the late Tuhadeleni gave to the community during his time as a councillor.

Admiral Bamba Nghipandwa, speaking on behalf of the Association of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, narrated the political journey of Tuhadeleni and the various roles he played during the liberation struggle, while former Ongenga Constituency Councillor Leonard Shimutwikeni gave a brief history of the role Tuhadeleni played for Ohangwena at the time when the government was dividing the country into regions.

The message from the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority’s Efululula District read by senior councilor Beata Haufiku stated how Tuhadeleni was the link between the government and the traditional authority in the early years when communities were in need of government services such as rural water supply and rural electrification.

Other speakers also gave a glimpse into the life of a public servant who not only served his community but also served the whole nation when he was a member of parliament serving at the National Council.

While every speaker had good memories to share about the late Tuhadeleni, it was his children who had to share a sad memory they had about their father.

“We were born five by our father, four boys and one girl,” said Hafeni Willem Noah Tuhadeleni, “but due to circumstances beyond our control we were kept very far from our father.

“We were not close to our father. We passed through deep and hot water. We cried while our father was alive. But we can’t blame him. He had challenges. We have to focus on the strength and resilience he gave us to face life.”

Hefeni stated that the situation they had had with their father was caused by their mothers.

“My message to you our mothers, is that you are making your children to go through pain,” Hafeni said. “Yet you are the same people who go to church every day. But you are destroying our peace.

“May the peace you always preach be in your hearts.”

Tuhadeleni, who is survived by his wife Mrs Olivia Himenengwena Ningeninawa Tuhadeleni and several children, will be laid to rest on Tuesday at the Eenhana Heroes Shrine.

 

In the photo: The late Noah Lyaalala Tuhadeleni, also known as Kaxumba, was conferred with a state funeral.